In a formal ceremony on February 25, The University
of North Carolina at Pembroke signed agreements with 10 Chinese universities.

The agreements - between a total of 28 Chinese and five U.S. universities
- established a joint-degree program that may bring 20-40 Chinese students
to UNCP’s campus for two of their four undergraduate years.

UNCP and the four U.S. universities are represented by the American Association
of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The Chinese universities are
represented by the China Center for International Educational Exchange (CCIEE).

A large delegation was at UNCP February 24-25 to tour UNCP and meet with
top-level administrators. Zeng Dexiang, vice president of Xihua University,
led the CCIEE delegation.

“We had a very productive visit at your University,” Zeng said. “This
agreement will help our students become competitive in the global economy.”

Zeng represents a major Chinese university with an enrollment of 30,000,
and he is hopeful that the agreement will encourage more Chinese students
to study abroad.

“We would love to further our cooperation with American institutions
of higher education for mutual benefit,” he said. “As the Chinese
economy develops, it will require the cooperation of the higher education
sector to help the country develop further.”

In this program, UNCP joins a geographically diverse group of U.S. universities,
including Northern Arizona University, George Mason University, Ball State
University and Troy State University.

CCIEE Executive Director Zong Wa explained his group’s mission.

“The center was established in 1981 to promote foreign exchange in
higher education,” Zong said. “It is unique because it is the
only organization of its kind affiliated with the (national) Ministry of
Education. It acts as a semi-governmental umbrella organization representing
all Chinese universities.”

Zong said UNCP makes a good partner and host for Chinese students.

“UNC Pembroke offers good undergraduate programs and a safe environment,” he
said. “We want our students to gain exposure to all of America not
just New York.”

For Chancellor Allen C. Meadors, the agreement is a major step forward in
his plans to internationalize UNCP’s campus.

“We are very committed to this program, and we will take very good
care of your students,” Chancellor Meadors said at the signing ceremony. “My
son (Tyson) is currently studying in China, so I am cognizant of the need
to take care of other people’s children.”

“We have seen many happy students on your beautiful campus,” Zeng
said. “We have confidence that this program has a bright future.”

It is expected that many of the Chinese exchange students who come to UNCP
will study business. Dr. Eric Dent, dean of the School of Business, attended
the two-day summit.

“This program will be a win-win situation to have these Chinese students
here for two years,” Dr. Dent said. “They will bring a different
perspective to the classroom, enhancing the American students' learning.
They will also model for our students the importance of getting international
experience while in college."